Authorities and Jurisdictional Conflicts in Indian Towns. Cordoba, Governorship of Tucuman, 1750-1810

Abstract

In this article we approach the administration of government and justice in the Indian towns of Córdoba between 1750 and 1810. This period was marked by demographic growth in most of the towns that had survived until then, by the end of the process of dissolution of the private encomiendas, initiated at the beginning of eighteenth century, and by the Bourbon tributary reforms - all processes that helped to strenghen the indigenous authorities, to which responsibilities of registration, collection of tribute and administration of justice were assigned. Firstly, we identify the attributions of Indian chefs, indigenous mayors and city councilors; then we examine the competences of government, justice, and police of other authorities (tribute collectors, parish priests, mayors of the brotherhood, and district justices) in these towns. Ultimately, we analyze the jurisdiction conflicts between both groups of authorities, which occurred through the exercise of criminal jurisdiction over the towns and their inhabitants, especially those identified as mestizos or belonging to the castas. These topics are considered in connection with the process of resistance and adaptation to colonial rule, and the Access of indigenous societies to Spanish justice.